SpiceJet: Pilot salaries raised by Rs 1.25 Lakh

New Delhi, Sept 15: In order to retain its qualified captains, SpiceJet , which is the country's second-largest budget carrier, has increased the salaries of its 200-odd pilots by about 1.25 lakhs.

The basic monthly salary of a captain in SpiceJet has now been increased from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 5.45 lakhs. The airline has also introduced a various allowances such as layover, deputation and allowances for the fifth and the sixth landings, increasing the pay package of the commanders.

While the average pay package of a pilot is approximately 5.5 lakh per month, many posh airlines like Etihad and Qatar Airways have poached over 100 pilots from some of the biggest airlines in India.

Subhash Goyal, the aviation expert said,"Cash-rich Gulf carriers have been hiring pilots, cabin crew and engineers in droves to cater to their ever-increasing fleets. Tax-free salary, company housing, schooling and medical expenses borne by the airline make Gulf carriers so attractive."

This has forced airlines here to increase the salaries by at least 13%.

OneIndia News